CeO2 and Glucose Oxidase Co-Enriched Ti3C2Tx MXene for Hyperthermia-Augmented Nanocatalytic Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Foreseen as foundational in forthcoming oncology interventions are multimodal therapeutic systems. Nevertheless, the tumor microenvironment (TME), marked by heightened glucose levels, hypoxia, and scant concentrations of endogenous hydrogen peroxide could potentially impair their effectiveness. In this research, two-dimensional (2D) Ti₃C₂ MXene nanosheets are engineered with CeO₂ nanozymes and glucose oxidase (GOD), optimizing them for TME, specifically targeting cancer therapy. Following our therapeutic design, CeO₂ nanozymes, embodying both peroxidase-like and catalase-like characteristics, enable transformation of H₂O₂ into hydroxyl radicals for catalytic therapy while also producing oxygen to mitigate hypoxia. Concurrently, GOD metabolizes glucose, thereby augmenting H₂O₂ levels and disrupting the intracellular energy supply. When subjected to a near-infrared laser, 2D Ti₃C₂ MXene accomplishes photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), additionally amplifying cascade catalytic treatment via thermal enhancement. Empirical evidence demonstrates robust tumor suppression both in vitro and in vivo by the CeO₂/Ti₃C₂-PEG-GOD nanocomposite. Consequently, this integrated approach, which combines PTT/PDT and enzymatic catalysis, could offer a valuable blueprint for the development of advanced oncology therapies.